Happy Monday

I know that I shouldn't really like Glee but I kinda do... well, at least after I have already watched Bones and NCIS. I saw this on Pinterest and almost died... Enjoy!

image via Pinterest from here

One Year Ago

One year ago today I moved to Phoenix. Like crazy.... I was sitting in the car the other day, remembering back to when I first moved here and everything seemed so new. It was sunny all the time, the grocery stores were different, and there was so much space. I was excited about finally having a clean and organized apartment with a craft room. Well, one year later, here is the update:

1. My apartment is a disaster after an unfortunate situation involving the condo above mine leaking through my walls into the condo below mine. Took nearly 6 months to fix, but now it is all done with a brand new coat of bright pink paint.

2. Just yesterday, my dad got the alls-clear sign that he is free from cancer. His surgery was nearly 5 months ago and he still tires easily and has some pain, but he is on the mend.

3. My craft room is still in boxes, sadly. Sometimes life just wins out, ya know?

4. My darling minivan, Annie C, just got new tires, oil change, and a new cooling system. More than a thousand dollars later, she is looking mighty fine. All she needs is some power steering fluid and some new breaks and she will be a new woman minivan.

5. I finished one year of seminary with a 4.0! Not sure how I managed it... not sure I will keep it up with my nearly double load this semester. Hey, I thrive on chaos.

6. I started a new job as a financial analyst in January and while it is nothing that I ever thought I would be doing, it is actually pretty interesting and I seem to do a pretty good job. Plus it pays for #5.

7. I started this blog which now that I am finally getting the hang of it, bring me lots of joy. I love writing but never felt like I was any good at it. Now, it doesn't matter. I write for me and my 10 followers. Plus, I have gotten to meet some pretty amazing people at Phoenix blogger meet ups.

8. On the friend's front, I haven't been the best about branching out, but after this realization, I think have been doing better.

9. I made a list of 101 goals in 1001 days to help me give some structure to my life and make me have some fun too!

10. I feel like I have really finally grown into myself... like I feel slightly (very slightly) less awkward and that my style fits who I am. Now, if I could get over touching my eye and get some dang contacts in, life would be grand.

So after one year of joy, tears, friends, laughter, doubt, seeking, and prayer, I feel that I am finally leading the life that I always wanted to lead. Now, I just need someone to follow me around and take fantastic pictures in fields for my blog, and life would be perfect.

A night out with the ladies... just one of many good memories from this past year

Quotable Wednesday

image from link

Scarf Swap

Guys! I am finally getting to do my Scarf Swap post from back at the beginning of July. The lovely Marisol from The Seal and Sol sent me this lovely scarf. Those of you who know me know that I love scarves but that I rarely wear square silk scarves so I really struggled with the best way to wear this, especially in the Phoenix heat.

Well, last week I flew to Chicago for the Jesus Culture Awakening Conference and I knew this scarf would be perfect for the flight. I wrapped it around my neck to keep me warm and provide some cushion and it worked quite well. Then I used it for a little blanket while I napped on my 6am flight. Sorry there are no pictures, but I couldn't very well ask a stranger... "Hey, can you take a picture of me napping with this scarf?" Side note, look out for a post about proper flying etiquette... it will certainly be coming your way.

Anyways, it is with great sadness that I return to scarf to Merisol because it is just so pretty with its contrast of black and little flowers. 

Things have been a little crazy around the blog lately with travel and busyness and such. But hopefully I will be getting back on schedule 'round here cause I have lots of fun things to share.

Quotable Wednesday

image from here

Yarn Wreath

Remember these rosettes that I made at the blogger meet-up? Well, I took Lydia's advice and made a yarn wreath with them. My battery was dead so I didn't take pictures as I was doing it, but here are the steps.

1. buy a foam wreath in desired size
2. decide which side will be the back and using hot glue, simply glue the end to the back of the wreath
3. wrap the yarn around the foam, making sure to keep the wrapping tight. Every couple of inches or so, I would add a little hot glue (on the back side) to keep everything tight.
4. once the wreath is completely wrapped add your embellishments as desired.

THE FINISHED PRODUCT.
Don't mind the dust... I took the picture outside on a dusty table... this isn't what my house looks like. 

This wreath cost me about 4 dollars for the wreath. Everything else, I had on hand. I think it is perfect for a summer to fall transitional wreath. And I am ready for fall... this heat is killing me, man!

Office Space

Last week, I had one of those weeks where I felt gross and huge. I resorted to my comfy black capris and linen pants and felt much more comfortable and put together at the end of the week. I even got a cute pair of new wedges to replace my black sandals that my sister's dog ate. RIP my favorite flat gladiator sandals. I shall miss you!

Because my work environment is extremely laid back clothing wise, I get to have a lot of fun. But sometime last week, I realized that the dress that I was wearing was really too short for my liking. I really had when you leave home and then realize that you should have worn a tank top under a shirt or whatever. One of the joys of being a girl I guess.

What was your most embarrassing outfit realization?